Working around power lines is extremely dangerous.
Never go near overhead wires.
Contact your power company and ask them to install any wildlife exclusion devices.
Prevent squirrel access to power lines by excluding the animal. One method is to wrap the pole with a 24-inch band of aluminum flashing, positioned at least 5 feet off the ground. Pole Guard was developed by Critter Guard to prevent squirrels from climbing poles.
Another exclusion method is to prevent the squirrel from accessing the line. Line Guard, another product by Critter Guard, was developed to stop squirrels from traveling on power lines. It must be installed by a linesman. According to Critter Guard, “A solid, free-spinning wheel requires a squirrel to jump over the barrier onto the touch-sensitive spinning cylinders on either side. It can be used on cable sizes up to 3 inches in diameter.” Contact your power company and speak with them about installing this type of product on your power line to prevent squirrels and other wildlife from accessing your home via the power lines.
The photo shows three techniques a power company tried to prevent squirrels from using the power line.
- Aluminum flashing wrapped around the pole.
- The owl effigy, which usually is not effective at repelling squirrels.
- The set of Nixalite spikes, secured to the power line.
Ask your power company about installing devices such as these.